QuoteProject
If nominated by either party, I should peremptorily decline, and even if unanimously elected, I should decline to serve.
William Tecumseh Sherman
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a refusal to accept a position of power regardless of circumstances.

William Tecumseh Sherman emphasizes the importance of personal choice and integrity in the face of political pressure. By stating he would decline any nomination or election, he highlights a strong stance on not accepting a role that he does not genuinely want, reflecting the values of conviction and moral fortitude in leadership.

Themes

LeadershipIntegrityRefusalPowerPersonal Choice

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of ethical leadership, one could quote Sherman to emphasize the need for integrity in accepting power.

More from William Tecumseh Sherman

An Army is a collection of armed men obliged to obey one man. Every change in the rules which impairs the principle weakens the army.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
The young bloods of the South: sons of planters, lawyers about towns, good billiard-players and sportsmen, men who never did any work and never will... They are splendid riders, first-rate shots and utterly reckless. These men must all be killed or employed by us before we can hope for peace.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
You people of the South don't know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end. It is all folly, madness, a crime against civilization! You people speak so lightly of war; you don't know what you're talking about.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead

Similar quotes

A good leader leads from the front. Don't get stuck in the office. Get out, meet people and listen to their stories.
Richard BransonRead
Whether addressing immediate crises or building long-term foundations of peace, the United Nations will remain committed to solutions that advance the global good.
Ban Ki-MoonRead
Failing to hold someone accountable is ultimately an act of selfishness.
Patrick LencioniRead
Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed-men, and such as sleep o'nights; Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; he thinks too much; such men are dangerous.
Julius CaesarRead
I have found a unique opportunity to distinguish myself and to learn my trade. I am a general officer in the army of the United States of America. My zeal in their cause and my frankness have won their trust.
Marquis De LafayetteRead
There's so much more involved with the game than just sitting there, looking at the numbers and saying, 'OK, these are my percentages, then I'm going to do it this way,' because that one time it doesn't work could cost your team a football game, and that's the thing a head coach has to live with, not the professor.
Bill CowherRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.